As the colder weather approaches, there are different hazards and potential risks to consider when using your mobility scooter in autumn. With this in mind, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide that will tell you everything you need to know about mobility scooter safety at this time of year.
Potential Risks When Using Your Mobility Scooter in Autumn
- Falling Leaves: Wet or decomposed leaves on pathways can make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Reduced Visibility: Fog and mist are common in autumn and can hinder visibility, making it harder for the user to see and be seen.
- Shorter Daylight Hours: Darkness falls earlier, increasing the risks associated with driving in low-light conditions.
- Changeable Weather: Autumn can bring unpredictable weather, from sunny spells to sudden rain showers, leading to varying road conditions.
- Dampness: Morning dew and increased rainfall can make surfaces slick, even if they appear dry.
- Hidden Obstacles: Falling leaves can conceal hazards like holes, uneven surfaces, or debris.
- Chilly Temperatures: While not as cold as winter, autumn can still bring a chill that might affect users, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
- Battery Efficiency: Cooler temperatures can begin to impact the scooter’s battery life, albeit not as severely as in winter.
- Wind: Autumn storms and gusty winds can make controlling the scooter more challenging and can blow debris onto paths.
- Sun Glare: The sun sits lower in the sky during autumn, which can result in blinding glare during certain times of the day.
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12 Tips For Keeping Safe on Your Mobility Scooter This Autumn
1. Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of your mobility scooter is essential. That includes things like ensuring that the brakes are responsive and free from wear, especially since slippery conditions are more likely in autumn.
Tyres should be checked for appropriate tread depth to ensure optimal grip on potentially slippery surfaces and should be inflated to the recommended pressure. Additionally, all lights, including front, back, and indicators, must be functioning correctly to enhance visibility during dusk and the foggy conditions that are common at this time of the year.
Read our comprehensive guide on keeping your mobility scooter in top condition year-round.
2. Enhance Your Visibility
To enhance your visibility outside, consider wearing a reflective vest or attaching reflective strips to your clothing. Additional reflective stickers or materials on the back and sides of your scooter can also be beneficial. If you haven’t already, sign up and get your free copy of our mobility scooter safety guide and visibility sticker bundle here.
3. Use Caution on Windy Days
Focusing on scooter safety for riding in windy conditions is so important, given how quickly unexpected gusts can affect your scooter’s stability. This is especially true when you are moving from sheltered areas to open spaces.
If you have to venture out on a particularly windy day, be extra cautious near roadways and aim to stay in areas that provide some wind protection. This will help you improve your stability and make you feel safer while using your mobility scooter.
4. Navigate Leafy Paths With Caution
Wet leaves, often present in autumn, can be as slippery as ice, so it’s prudent to manoeuvre around them whenever possible. Taking your time and slowing down when you need to will help you to maintain as much grip as possible.
Even dry leaf piles can be deceiving, as they can hide potential hazards such as potholes. Our guide to navigating potholes as a mobility scooter user covers this in more depth – this is the number one cause of punctures for our customers!
5. Weather Preparedness
Staying informed about the weather is crucial. Always be aware of potential temperature drops which could lead to frosts or icy patches on the ground. Black ice can form in minutes on a pavement or road surface and significantly compromise your mobility scooter’s grip and traction.
If rain is forecast, try to avoid travelling during heavy downpours to reduce the risk of skidding. Packing a waterproof jacket and a hat will help you to remain comfortable in adverse weather conditions.
6. Dress for Autumn
Dressing appropriately for the season is also vital. As temperatures can vary throughout the day, wearing layered clothing allows you to adjust your attire to remain comfortable.
Having a waterproof jacket or poncho on hand is a good idea in case of unexpected rain showers. You can then fold it up and store it in a bag or carry basket on your mobility scooter. Waterproof footwear is also highly recommended for both comfort and safety.
7. Consider Your Battery and Efficiency
Battery efficiency can decrease in cooler temperatures, so it’s a good practice to regularly check and charge your scooter’s battery.
If you’re going on a longer journey, think ahead and consider locations where you might recharge your scooter if necessary.
Find out more about mobility scooter battery maintenance and how long your battery should typically last.
8. Plan Your Route
Route planning can greatly improve your safety. It’s best to choose paths that are well-lit and regularly cleaned or maintained while avoiding areas known for pooling water or excessive leaf accumulation. With a little planning ahead of time, you will be able to remove a large degree of stress and discomfort from your journey.
9. Adopt Safe Driving Practices
Driving cautiously is always a good idea, especially on wet or damp surfaces. Such conditions can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to reduce speed and take wider, gentle turns when necessary to prevent tipping or skidding.
Make sure you’re up-to-date on mobility scooter rules and regulations, including speed limits. A quick refresher is all it takes to bring yourself up to speed and improve your safety.
10. Wear Polarised Sunglasses
For those sunny yet wet days, wearing polarised sunglasses can be beneficial. They reduce glare from wet surfaces or the low autumn sun, ensuring a clearer view of the surroundings.
11. Tell a Friend Where You’re Going
Getting out and about on your mobility scooter gives you a sense of freedom and independence, and no one wants to take that away during the colder months. If you are venturing far or if the weather is particularly bad, sending a message to a friend or neighbour to let them know how long you expect to be is a wise move. Another alternative is to share your location with a friend or family member so they can keep track of your route and provide assistance if needed.
12. Charge Your Phone
It’s easy to leave the house with a phone that only has a few trickles of charge left on it, but a full battery is important at this time of year. Plug your phone in for at least an hour before you set off so that you have plenty of battery should you need to check directions or call someone for help.
Don’t Forget Your Insurance
If you haven’t already got mobility scooter insurance for your scooter, make sure you look into this additional safety measure, too. Starting from just £3.80/month, our mobility scooter insurance covers you for puncture repair, accidental damage, theft, and a host of other things to keep you and your scooter covered while out and about.
